Quote Originally Posted by JMS View Post
Again, I agree whole heartedly. As I said though, if one is going to do such a thing anyways one should do it with all the strength and conviction that one can muster and not apologize just to save ones ass.
Ahhh, well that's a different point altogether. We're now entering into the area of 'intent'.

We've all done something wrong and, having seen the error or our way, apologised for it genuinely. That's not covering one's ass or crumbling under peer pressure -- that's simply being true, honest and mature enough to admit fault.

And some people are motivated to say sorry just to save their political ass, cover up, or maintain popularity. In which case, it's wrong to apologise -- as it they're apologising for all the wrong reasons.

If you think Wilson was just covering his ass, then he was wrong to apologise. Or rather, he apologised for a dishonouraable motive (but a common one in political circles!). If you believe he was apologising because he truly wishes to repent for what, on reflection, he realises was wrong, then I think he was right to do so.

Just depends how cynical you are of WIlson's motives, I guess!